Rumor Report: Omir Fernandez set to sign a homegrown deal

First, Tab Ramos included Fernandez in the recent U-20 national team camp. Now, reports are surfacing that Fernandez signed a Homegrown Deal with the New York Red Bulls. Rumors were first reported by Pro Soccer USA’s Dylan Butler.

Hearing the Red Bulls are working to finalize a Homegrown deal with Omir Fernandez, who came up through the club's academy. The Bronx native is a sophomore at Wake Forest and just got called up to the US U20 camp #RBNY

Fernandez, a Bronx native, spent a number of years in the academy before joining Wake Forest. At Wake Forest, he was an effective super sub as a freshman. Fernandez broke out during his sophmore season, scoring 12 goals and recording 6 assists. He earned All-American honors along the way.

Fernandez primarily plays on the left wing where he can cut in on his right or beat a defender to the end line. He is very intelligent making smart runs off of a striker and in the wide channels.

One scout, I talked to described his strengths as his powerful shot and his quickness. The scout lauded how he rose to the challenge of being a key part of a top-rated Wake Forest Attack.

Where will the Red Bulls use him?

Fernandez’s addition adds even more depth to the Red Bulls wings. It is likely that he starts at New York Red Bull II.

However, with Concacaf Champions League, he could see MLS minutes early in the season depending on his preseason performances. Like Ben Mines, Fernandez RB academy tenure should help with the transition.

This also solidifies a strong attack for NYRBII who will return Amando Moreno, Jared Stroud, Tom Barlow, and Ben Mines. This leaves the majority of NYRBII offseason needs on the back line and in the midfield. The team could start to address those issues Friday in the MLS SuperDraft.